Down Day

 

Tobago Cays Marine State Park
St Vincent & the Grenadines
August 3, 2011 

We took a pass yesterday. 

We did manage a trip to the grocery store for replenishment, but other than that it was pretty quiet. 

I spent more time working on some older images to get them ready for possible printing and display. 

The one today is of a turtle I imaged while enjoying Tobago Cays Marine State Park during 2011. 

We had a fun day snorkeling with the turtles during a week long catamaran sailing trip. 

Working with the image brought back some great memories. I had posted a quick blog during the trip titled, Turtles of Tobago Cays. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Off to the Beach--Last Day

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
May 19, 2025

 We headed off to the Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge Beach on Jupiter Island to enjoy the sun, sand, and the waves. It was a beautiful day and the last full day of George and Sue's visit with us in Florida. 

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
Jupiter Island, FL
May 19, 2025

The waters just off the beach were alive with schools of fish moving along the beach. Every so often they would be attacked by larger fish looking for a meal and the schools would scatter only to reform after the attacker left the area. We watched this activity literally for hours.

I was late getting to the beach as I had to wait for a wine shipment. Fortunately, the delivery was as about the time I expected. It was the 3rd delivery attempt. I am very disappointed with FedEx and their inability to advise me of the wine's initial delivery and then that I could not redirect it to a pick-up location. Some of the wine appears cooked with one cork popped a bit. I have contacted the winery and they will replace any bad bottles--but FedEx really is to blame for their terrible customer service and for not properly caring for the wine in transit. 

We closed out the day with Happy Hour at Hog Snappers and then back to the house for after dinner drinks. It was a wonderful day and we are sad to see George and Sue depart. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Bald Eagle
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jupiter, FL
May 17, 2025

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary beckoned us yesterday. Chris and I had not visited the sanctuary since it moved to its new location. 

The entire layout and set up is first rate. The animals were active and we enjoyed watching the panthers prowl and the turkeys trot. Seriously--most all of the animals were out in their yards doing something--in the case of the bobcats it was mostly sleeping, however, one of them did walk about. 

Tom Turkey with Fencing
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jupiter, FL
May 17, 2025

While the enclosures first-rate and provide protection for the animals from humans, my only negative of the day was that the enclosures make it hard to get good images of the animals. The best image I was able to obtain was of the eagle, because the enclosure was close enough that I could lean in and take the image between the links of chain fencing. On all others, except in the reptile house, I had to fight the enclosure for an image.

I was very impressed overall with the new facility and the availability of volunteers and staff to answer questions and provide insights. I was also impressed with the availability of restrooms!

My only other critique is that I would have preferred more information about the animals on the enclosures--to include some history and in the case of enclosures with multiple species an identification guide. 

A great day and well worth the visit. Allow about 2-3 hours for a visit. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Checking out Bathtub Beach

Happy Beach Goers
Bathtub Beach, Hutchinson Island, FL
May 15, 2025

 We decided to checkout a new beach yesterday. Well, of course it is not new it is just that we have never visited the beach before. 

We sojourned to Bathtub Beach on Hutchinson Island yesterday. It is a long-ish drive, 45 minutes, but it is a beautiful beach. My failing was that I did not remember my snorkeling gear as there is a reef a few hundred yards offshore which is supposed to be very full of marine life. I don't feel too bad about it though because the water temperature was only 74 degrees yesterday. I will make a return trip when the water gets closer to 80 degrees. 

I don't fully grasp why the beach is balled Bathtub. It is neither small not enclosed, but rather it is a wide stretch of beach. It may be because of the offshore reef which keeps the waves at bay. 

In other thoughts, I noted this truck, a Denali, during our drive yesterday and with the push to Americanize names, I wondered if the company would be changing the name to McKinley? 

Today is a boat day! I love South Florida when the weather is good!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday Again

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
May 13, 2025

 Tuesday is, of course, Tiki Tuesday. And yesterday definitely fit the description. 

I completed an almost 18-mile ride in the morning and enjoyed sitting at Tiki52 alongside the marina for an enjoyable evening. 

The flags were especially impressive last evening against the ultra blue sky and I felt compelled to snap an image of them. It was a nicely warm evening at Tiki52 and the wind off the water was more refreshing than it was uncomfortably cold. 

My biking adventure earlier in the day was largely unremarkable except for one stretch where the service trucks completely blocked the road and I had to dismount and squeeze my bike between them. I don't understand how the drivers did not see anything wrong with completely blocking the road to unload goods. I should have taken an image of the situation for posterity, but I was too upset that I had to dismount and walk between the trucks to think about anything other than safety. 

Well, we have friends arriving today for a week and I am looking forward to some boating and beach activities. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

As the Weather Turns

Gopher Tortoise
Tequesta, FL
May 8, 2025

 The weather has turned.

Our weather has transitioned from an almost idyllic springtime with low humidity and moderate temperatures to South Florida summer where the temperatures and humidity both approach 90. It is uncomfortable after enjoying the long and luxurious weather we have experienced. But, we knew the sloppy wet heat would soon arrive.

I rode almost 18 miles yesterday before the day became too unbearable. The region is lacking for moisture as can be seen from the image of the tortoise along the roadway that I snapped yesterday. The normally lush green grasses are burnt and brown. We need rain--lots of it, but hopefully not all at once.

In the news, was it a cosmic coincidence that an American was selected as Pope on V-E Day? Yes, Pope Leo XIV is originally from Chicago.

Oh; my tortoise count yesterday was 2.

Chris and I are planning a golf outing this morning. It will be our first together since January. At least the lower off-season rates are in effect.


-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Enjoying the Late Afternoon

Florida Crow
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
May 6, 2025

 The ultimate form of escapism for me is enjoying the beach on a sunny afternoon. There is something about the sound of the waves and the antics of the birds that erases all of the concerns from my mind. 

Yesterday was no exception.

Kiteboarder with Moon
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
May 6, 2025

The birds were exceptionally active. We had an assortment of crows, sanderlings, sand pipers, and a couple of ospreys that kept us amused. Sadly, there were no surfers but a couple of kiteboarders were out on the rough waters of the Atlantic.

One kiteboarder was very proficient and stayed on the water for quite a while. My only concern was when he landed the kite--it seemed like a phoenix and kept trying to rise up into the air. I felt we were within the possible impact zone if he lost control--fortunately, he was able to finally get the kite to stay down. 

A great ending to a nearly perfect day, Happy Hour on the beach with friends. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tiki Tuesday

Looking onto the ICW
Tiki52, Tequesta, FL
April 29, 2025

 I have always had trouble characterizing Tuesday, aside from recognizing that it is the day between Happy Monday and Hump Day Wednesday. 

I believe that I have finally found a name for Tuesday--Tiki Tuesday. 

On Tuesdays, weather permitting, we enjoy going to Tiki52 for their $2 Tuesday celebration. And last evening was no different. We used to enjoy Must Drink Monday at a different waterside bar/restaurant--but they have become a bit too pricey as their fame has increased. 

Last evening we enjoyed perfect weather and decided to sit at a marina-side table. It was very nice.

Costco
Stuart, FL
April 29, 2025

We had finished a busy day which saw Chris and I trek to Stuart to shop at the new Costco. The store is very nice and the shopping was pleasant even though there were more cars in the parking lot than I have seen since the last time I went to a ballgame. Sadly though, the store is a significantly longer trek than the one in Northern Palm Beach and so we likely will not return. I did note higher prices, however. A three-pound can of coffee increased $3 since the last time I bought one. Eggs were down to about $3.30 per dozen which was good. I saw increases on cheese, meat, drinks, and most everything else. It was distressing.

Well, I guess that is the path we are on. 

At least prices remained the same at Tiki52, but for how long?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cars I Don't Often See

 

Lotus and Lamborghini
Jupiter, FL
April 26, 2025

It has been a great week for car spotting. 

Sure we have seen the usual plethora of Bentleys and Rolls. They are almost everywhere. But, over the past couple days I have been introduced to a few cars that just do not show up often.

Yesterday, for instance, Chris and I pulled into a small shopping area to find a Lotus and a Lamborghini parked next to each other. That was a first, but even more interesting was the color of the Lamborghini--purple. There they were, parked together alone in the lot. I took a moment to admire them and imagine the sound of their engines accelerating. 

1989 Jaguar XJS V-12 rouge Special Edition
Image from the Internet

Late last week, I was introduced to a very special Jaguar. It was a 1989 Jaguar XJS V12 Rouge Special Edition. And it was in our community. One of the residents had borrowed it from his father-in-law to take his daughter and friends to Prom. Wow--it was a beauty with only 28,000 miles on it. Now this Jaguar was not in the same class as the Lotus or the Lamborghini, but it was a really beautiful car. I failed to take an image of it sitting in his drive, but found a few on the internet so I could remember the awesomeness of this classic. He told me how much someone told him it was worth, but that was a bit of an exaggeration. Nonetheless, it was a heart stopping car. 

Later Chris and I got into our 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-e and headed out wishing we were in the Jag and remembering the ones we have owned. At least our Mach-e is red. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Night at the Theater

 

View from my Seat, Dreyfoos Hall, Kravis Center
West Palm Beach, FL
April 25, 2025

We went to see a Broadway Across America production of Les Misérables last evening at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The production began promptly at 8 PM and was stunning.

But there is more to the story.

Our normal roughly 30 minute trip to West Palm Beach took almost and hour due to Friday-night rush hour traffic. The situation on I-95, my preferred route, was so bad that we saved almost 10 minutes by driving US-1, with all of its stoplights, into the city. We made our dinner reservation and enjoyed a relaxed dinner at True Food Kitchen which is a short walk from the Kravis. When I say short walk, I mean short, like less than 10 minutes at a leisurely walking pace. 

But what about the show? 

The show was great. We had less than optimal seats at the very back of the hall, but still had good view of the stage. The sound system was perfect. What bothered me is that the show is very dark--I knew that before hand, but from where sat it was a bit too dimly lit. We could not make out the faces of the actors and actresses. 

The Kravis, however, is a great place to watch live theater. The seats are comfortable and parking is free. I look forward to returning for another show soon. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Hour Returns to the Beach

 

Happy Hour Crew on the Beach
Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL
April 24, 2025

It happened.

We finally returned to the beach to enjoy Happy Hour. It had been months, it seems, since we last enjoyed an evening on the beach. 

Between our traveling, the weather, and some sickness we have been away from the beach--but not so last evening. We returned. It was glorious. 

Pelicans on Patrol
Carlin Park Beach, Jupiter, FL
April 24, 2025

The highlight of the evening was the appearance of two spinner sharks, well it could have been one shark jumping twice. There is almost no way to capture spinner sharks on camera because before you realize it's happening it is over except for the splash.

We enjoyed a few hours of watching the waves crash on a nearly empty beach. Sadly, there were no surfers to entertain us--but we spent time catching up on recent travels. 

We had a great time and are looking forward to getting out tonight to attend a performance of Les Miserables at the local theater. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Fragrance of Gardenias

Gardenia in Bloom
Tequesta, FL
March 29, 2025

 The fragrance of gardenias was everywhere yesterday during my almost 18-mile ride. 

The gardenias have been in bloom for a couple of weeks now, but yesterday they seemed to be at their peak. The sweet fragrance was everywhere and it was very enjoyable. I enjoyed the sweetness around every curve. 

After my morning ride, Chris and I spent the day restocking the food supplies which we had drawn down during April due to our many travels. We expect to be home for most of May! Yay. 

Due to a dental appointment, I won't be able to ride today, but I am hopeful of getting out again tomorrow and enjoying the gardenias again. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Tax Day 2025

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
April 15, 2025

Did you survive Tax Day?

 We are experiencing some absolutely fantastic weather. I remember other South Florida Aprils where the temperatures were already in the 90s and the humidity was oppressive. These days, however, the humidity is enjoyable and the temperatures are only now beginning to reach into the 80s.

I rode almost 22 miles yesterday and did not even really break a sweat because of the pleasant humidity. I did a longer ride through some areas that I only infrequently visit. It is nice to note the changes and the route I rode has a very nice wild area which is not unlike the trail I rode last summer on the Great Allegheny Passage. 

For the evening, Chris and I headed off to Tiki52 and $2 Tuesday. I think I am writing too much about Tiki52 because it seems to be getting busier even as the snow birds are departing. After enjoying some adult beverages and wings, Chris and I walked out onto the dock at the marina and stared longingly at the ICW. It has been too long since I was out enjoying it from a boat. 

Well, the big event was Tax Day--and while I had already filed my taxes the small fortune I owed the government was withdrawn from my accounts yesterday. Ouch! I did a little too good in my investments, of course that was before the tariff nonsense which has negated all of the gains on which I just paid taxes. I am pretty sure 2025 will not be a repeat of 2024--we have a long way to go to get back to where the previous president left us. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Weekend Arrival

 Well, Saturday definitely arrived. At least the weather is good.

It was rough yesterday. I had to cancel a hotel room after the designated cancellation time. That meant that I paid for a hotel room in which we did not stay. That sucks! And it was an expensive room as well. 

Well, that is how things have changed. I did save money on gas by not driving to Tampa; so I guess it almost works out. 

Wait--I also paid for seats and parking at a MLB game that I did not attend. I hope the empty seats enjoyed the sound of the bat hitting the ball and the cheering of the crowd.

These things sometimes happen on short notice. It just sucks that the fiscal downside is so steep.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

At the Precipice of the Weekend

Moon Setting
Tequesta, FL
April 10, 2025

Another Friday has arrived, just as expected. Whew!

My weekend plans changed dramatically this morning--but I always say that plans are made to be changed. 

I guess I needed a quiet weekend anyway. Next weekend, hopefully, we will be in the Houston area visiting my Dad and enjoying Easter. 

I caught an interesting image of the moon setting behind a home last night. It was really interesting because depending upon where I stood, I could either see the moon or it would have already be behind the house. I tried to get it right at the roofline with the palm in front. 

So, with the radical change of plans, we will see what the weekend brings. 

I guess I'm at the precipice hoping not to fall. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Saying Good-bye

Cayuga Lake from Glenwood Pines
Ithaca, NY
April 3, 2025

 Chris and I are in Ithaca, NY, for what likely will be our last visit. The last member of our families is preparing to depart Ithaca and move south away from the snow. I still have family in the region, but not Ithaca.

We enjoyed a nice early Spring day yesterday with temperatures into the 70s--which was a relief from the cold we experienced in Maryland. 

There are many memories here and the final departure will be difficult, I am sure. 

Last evening we enjoyed dinner on the east shore of Cayuga Lake at Glenwood Pines.  The clouds above the lake were threatening and made for definitely early-Spring scene considering the trees are only beginning to bud for new leaves. 

Today we head back to Maryland for the weekend. 

-- Bob Doan, Ithaca, NY

Enjoying the Evenings

Blowing Rocks Marina
Tequesta, FL
March 26, 2025

 I can't, it seems, write enough about the spectacular weather we have been experiencing. 

Yes, there were thunderstorms the other night, but we really needed the rain--and we got a lot. But, overall the humidity has been low and the temperatures very moderate. I remember the past two years when we were already experiencing 90 degree days at this time of the year. It was not a lot of fun. With the summer coming, I need to enjoy these afternoons and evenings. 

This morning is one of the warmer mornings we have experienced with the day starting around 70 degrees. There is definitely a bike ride in my immediate future. 

But what--MLB is BACK!!!

How about them Os? 

Only 161 more games to go, but at least they got off to a great start with a 12-2 win and crushing 6 homers!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

What is a tooth?

 My new tooth was installed yesterday. 

No, it did not all happen yesterday, the new tooth (crown) was the culmination of a process that began in South Africa when I broke a tooth eating a tough steak.

The dentist said that the tooth's silver filling absorbed moisture over the decades and caused the tooth to fracture. Fortunately, it did not hurt and I was able to finish the South African wine tour/safari and return to the U.S. before having the tooth examined and repaired. 

My worst fears were realized.

They could not just cement the piece that broke off into place, a piece which I had dutifully transported from South Africa back to Florida. I wound up with a moderately expensive crown, but thankfully not a root canal. 

And again, I was very elated that there was almost no pain. 

So, my mouth is almost back to full operating efficiency. 

And as a result I will begin to have routine cleanings again, which stopped because of COVID and which neither Chris not I ever got back onto the schedule due to moving and retirement. 

So the silver lining, hahaha, is that both Chris and I are going to resume regular dental cleanings, something we did before COVID, and I have a new tooth. 

Do you think about your teeth? Probably not unless you have a dental appointment or some pain.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Waiting for Handouts

Balanced Pelican
Tequesta, FL
March 19, 2025

Welcome Spring! It is Here! 

I enjoy watching pelicans wait for handouts while fishermen clean their catch at the docks. 

Last evening, while Chris and I were enjoying another idyllic evening at our favorite watering hole, Tiki52, we were treated to the antics of the pelicans waiting for the discards. At least nothing goes to waste.  

Patient Pelicans
Tequesta, FL
March 19, 2025

One pelican wanted to get very close to the action and balanced on one of the lines waiting for the discards. Most of the others took a more reserved approach and waited on a float or in the water. On occasion there would be a great disturbance in the water and I am fairly certain there were a couple large fish also swimming under the dock in anticipation of dinner.

It was a chaotic scene every time a piece of fish was tossed toward the pelicans, but they quickly reformed into a an orderly array waiting the next handout. There seemed to be a pecking order and they seemed to understand that if patient, each would receive a much cherished handout. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta. FL

The Eyes Have It

 

Eyeglass Shopping for Chris
Tequesta, FL
March 18, 2025

It has been annual eye appointment time for both Chris and I this past week. 

We needed the appointments to renew our contact prescriptions. Ugh. At least there is no studying for the tests, but it is a bit disconcerting to discover how bad my vision really is becoming. Although, this year the prescription only change a little bit because I wanted to improve my close-up vision at the expense of my distance vision. I just don't need to see a golf ball at 300 yards anymore. I can't it that far. 

My new glasses should arrive this week and my contacts have already been adjusted. Yay!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL